‘Game of Thrones’ Is Coming to an End

The HBO series “Game of Thrones” is coming to an end. Season 7 comes out on July 16, 2017. The new season is going to be shorter than previous seasons with seven episodes, compared to the others with 10. Further speaking, Season 8 of the fantasy drama, will be the end of the series and will debut in 2018, with only six episodes.

Showrunners, executive producers who are head writers, David Benioff and Dan Weiss spoke at the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW), in Austin, Tex. on March 12. Weiss and Benioff stated that they are working on the final season, and they are going to be working with writers, Brian Cogman and Dave Hill, on the episodic stories for the series.

Longtime fans of “Game of Thrones” have been around since the premiere, in 2012, and know that it is based-on the fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, “A Song of Ice and Fire.” The book and movie series follows several families, who are fighting for control of the Seven Kingdoms.

‘Game of Thrones’ Finale; the Good and the Bad

Superfans everywhere may be bummed to hear that “Game Of Thrones” is coming close to an end. At least everyone will know, next year, who will finally take the Iron Throne. This may be the only good thing to come of the series’ finale.

During the SXSW conference, panelist and showrunner, Benioff revealed that he, and co-creator Weiss, identify most with House Lannister and want them to win. Actress Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark, and co-hosted the panel, asked Benioff, “Is that a spoiler?” His response was to cover his face with his hands.

So, does this mean that the creators are going to write-in the Lannisters as the rightful heirs and victors of the Iron Throne? For some fans, this could be a bad thing.

A poll on IMDb says that most admirers are cheering for another house to claim the throne. Out of 6,514 votes: Daenerys Targaryen has 2,123; Jon Snow has 1,493; and Tyrion Lannister has 462. It would seem that superfans are cheering for Dragon Mother to win the Iron Throne.

‘Game of Thrones,’ in Other News

“Game of Thrones” is known for killing off characters, even the main ones. Therefore, there is a plethora of new people popping up. That means different actors and actresses making their debut, if only for an episode. Joining the ranks, in Season 7, is Ed Sheeran, for a guest appearance.

The reason Sheeran was cast in the unspecified role is to surprise Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark, and is a big fan of the singer. Benioff stated:

For years we were trying to get Ed Sheeran on the show so we could surprise Maisie, and this year we finally did it.

Superfans may be excited to hear that there is the potential for a “Game of Thrones” spin-off. However, Benioff and Weiss say they will not stick around if HBO decides the spin-off needs elements of their current creation.

Benioff understands that there could be an urge for a spin-off due to the survival of some characters from the original series. He went on to say:

I think HBO might well do one. And we’ll watch it. I think it’ll be great, but I think it’s important to get new blood in. New vision.

Surely, superfans everywhere will have mixed feelings about a spinoff of “Game of Thrones” and may not watch it, staying true to their beloved series.

By Tracy Blake
Edited by Jeanette Smith

Sources:

IMDb: Poll: Who will ultimately sit on the Iron Throne?Fortune: The Final ‘Game of Thrones’ Season Will Be Really ShortNew York Post: ‘Game of Thrones’ final season will be even shorter